棉线
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5204110000 | 39.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5204190000 | 39.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5201003800 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5205220020 | 42.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5205121000 | 40.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🧵 Cotton Yarn (Cotton Threads & Strings)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Cotton Yarn"?
Cotton yarn is a fundamental textile material used in weaving, knitting, and sewing. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its processing state (carded vs. combed), fineness (metric count), and form (thread vs. raw fiber).
Key Distinction Points:
* Raw Fiber vs. Yarn: If it is uncombed or loosely spun without forming a continuous "thread" structure suitable for sewing, it may be classified under Chapter 52 (Cotton Fibers).
* Sewing Thread vs. Knitting Yarn: Specific subheadings distinguish between general yarn (5205, 5206) and dedicated sewing/thread types (5204).
* Material Composition: Must be 85% or more cotton by weight to qualify for Chapter 52 headings. Blends may fall elsewhere.
⚠️ Critical Note:
- "Cotton Thread" for sewing → Typically 5204.
- "Cotton Yarn" for knitting/weaving → Typically 5205 or 5206.
- Raw/Uncombed Cotton → Typically 5201.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, here are the four applicable HS Codes for "Cotton Yarn/Thread" imported from China to the US:
| HS Code | Product Description | Summary Logic |
|---|---|---|
| 5204.11.00.00 | Cotton sewing thread, put up for retail sale (e.g., spools) | ✅ Direct Match: Pure cotton, formed into "thread" (line), ready for use. |
| 5204.19.00.00 | Other cotton sewing thread | ✅ General Category: Pure cotton sewing thread not put up for retail. |
| 5201.00.38.00 | Cotton, not carded or combed (Raw fiber state) | ⚠️ Raw Material: Classifies based on raw fiber attributes; fits the scope of uncarded/uncombed cotton. |
| 5205.22.00.20 | Cotton yarn (>= 85% cotton), metric count > 714.29 decitex (knitting/weaving) | ✅ Pure Cotton Yarn: High-count yarn, pure cotton (85%+), form is "yarn". |
| 5205.12.10.00 | Cotton yarn (>= 85% cotton), other counts | ✅ Standard Yarn: Pure cotton yarn, no specific conflict; general knitting/weaving yarn. |
🔍 Key Takeaway:
- If it is sewing thread (spooled, for hand/machine sewing) → 5204.
- If it is raw cotton fiber (bales, uncombed) → 5201.
- If it is fabric-making yarn (skeins/bobbins for weaving/knitting) → 5205.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: Includes subsequent imports under current trade policies.
🎯 1. 5204.11.00.00 & 5204.19.00.00 —— Cotton Sewing Thread
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.4% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 39.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 39.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ NOT Eligible (High tariffs prevent small package exemptions in many cases) |
📌 Explanation:
- Base (4.4%): Standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for cotton sewing thread.
- Section 301 (25%): Additional duty imposed on Chinese goods to address trade imbalances.
- Section 122 (10%): Specific additional duty affecting certain textile and apparel items.
- Total: 39.4%. This is a high-cost category.
🎯 2. 5201.00.38.00 —— Uncarded/Uncombed Cotton (Raw Fiber)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 31.4¢/kg (Specific Duty) + 35.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | Combined Specific + 35% + 35% (from 301/122 on base) |
| Tax Calculation | (31.4¢/kg) + [CIF Value × 35%] + [Additional Duties] |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ NOT Eligible |
📌 Explanation:
- This classification applies if the "yarn" is actually raw cotton fiber (not yet spun into strong yarn).
- Warning: Misclassifying raw fiber as yarn can lead to audits. Ensure the product is truly "fibers" and not "thread."
- The base rate is complex (both per-kg and percentage).
🎯 3. 5205.22.00.20 —— Pure Cotton Yarn (High Count)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.3% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 42.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 42.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ NOT Eligible |
📌 Explanation:
- Applies to yarn for knitting/weaving with metric count > 714.29 decitex (very fine yarn).
- Total: 42.3%. Higher than sewing thread due to different base rate.
🎯 4. 5205.12.10.00 —— Standard Pure Cotton Yarn
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.2% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 40.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 40.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ NOT Eligible |
📌 Explanation:
- General category for pure cotton yarn (85%+) not fitting the specific high-count category.
- Total: 40.2%.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Preparation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Spec Sheet | ✔️ | Must specify: Cotton Content %, Metric Count/Decitex, Form (thread vs. yarn), Usage (sewing vs. weaving). |
| ✅ Photos (Label & Spool) | ✔️ | Clear view of brand, model, and material label. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state "Cotton Yarn" or "Cotton Sewing Thread", not generic "Textile Parts". |
| ✅ Origin Certificate | ✔️ | To confirm CN origin (taxes apply). |
| ✅ Packaging List | ✔️ | Details net/gross weight for the 31.4¢/kg calculation if applicable. |
✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
🔥 "Thread is 5204, Yarn is 5205, Raw Fiber is 5201. Don't Mix Them!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk of Wrong Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Spooled sewing thread (for hand/machine) | 5204.11.00.00 or 5204.19.00.00 |
Misclassifying as 5205 → Higher tax (42.3% vs 39.4%) + Potential penalties. |
| Skeins/Bobbins for weaving/knitting | 5205.12.10.00 or 5205.22.00.20 |
Misclassifying as 5204 → Incorrect form description, audit risk. |
| Raw cotton bales/loose fiber | 5201.00.38.00 |
Misclassifying as "Yarn" → Severe penalty (raw fiber ≠ yarn). |
| Cotton Blend (e.g., 50% Cotton/50% Poly) | NOT Covered | These HS codes are for ≥85% Cotton. Blends go elsewhere (e.g., 5515). |
✅ 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| "Cotton Thread" with Polyester Blend | If <85% cotton, none of the above HS codes apply. Must recalculate under blended yarn codes. |
| Retail Kit (Thread + Needle) | Declared as a "Kit" or separate items. Do not lump under HS 5204 if needles are included, as they have different tariffs. |
| Sample Shipments | Even samples are subject to the 39.4% - 42.3% tariff. No duty-free exemption for commercial goods from China. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (CN Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 5204.11.00.00 |
39.4% | High due to Section 301 + 122. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 5204.11.00.00 |
4.4% (Import) | Base rate only. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 5204.11.00.00 |
~4-6% | No Section 301/122 equivalent. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 5204.11.00.00 |
~6% | Post-Brexit tariff. |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | N/A | 0% (if processed) | Avoid direct CN import; consider third-country processing. |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for cotton yarn/thread due to multiple layers of additional tariffs.
- EU and UK are significantly cheaper, but require strict Rules of Origin documentation if sourced from China.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Mistake 1: Calling "Knitting Yarn" "Sewing Thread" to get a lower base rate
👉 Result: Customs may reclassify and charge 42.3% instead of 39.4%, plus fines.
❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring the 85% Cotton Threshold
👉 Result: If cotton is 80%, you cannot use 5205 codes. Wrong HS = Delay/Confiscation.
❌ Mistake 3: Using "Textile Raw Material" as a generic description
👉 Result: Vague descriptions trigger manual inspection. Be specific: "100% Cotton Sewing Thread, Spooled."
✅ Correct Practice:
"Cotton Sewing Thread, 100% Cotton, Put up for Retail, 50m Spool, Model XYZ"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Thread is 5204 (39.4%), Yarn is 5205 (40-42%), Raw is 5201 (Complex)."
🔹 "If it's not 85% cotton, none of these apply!"
🔹 "Total Tax = Base + 25% (301) + 10% (122)."
📌 Pro Tip:
- For high-volume imports, consider Section 301 Exclusions if your specific product type is on the exclusion list (check current USTR lists).
- Pre-ruling: Request a Binding Ruling from CBP if you are unsure whether your product is "Thread" or "Yarn."
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a Licensed Customs Broker
📋 Prepare Product Photos & Specs
🚀 Avoid Misclassification Penalties – Clear Customs Smoothly!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Your Cost Per Yard, Precisely Calculated!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.